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Residents push for stricter e-bike rules; micro-mobility ordinance sent back for more public input
Summary
Public commenters urged helmet rules, speed limits and education for young riders. Councilors sent the proposed micro-mobility ordinance back to Land Use for further revision and community outreach.
Public comment at the Oct. 20 Carmel Common Council meeting centered on a proposed ordinance to regulate micro-mobility devices on city sidewalks and paths. Several speakers described near-misses and a recent injury and urged stricter rules to protect pedestrians and young riders.
Rachel Bailey, a Carmel resident, told the council her son was struck by an e-bike after a robotics meeting and has not returned to school because of his injuries. "Over the last few months as a marathoner, I run a lot ... I have not had a single run or walk without having to jump out of the way of a speeding ebike," Bailey said. She asked the council to consider licensing, driver education for riders under 16, school-area low-speed zones and posted or painted speed limits on multi-use paths.
Jordan Cole, a member of the local nonprofit Strong Town and an everyday cyclist, spoke in favor of regulation while urging balance. "There are too many people competing for too little space. This is a good problem to have," Cole said, adding that improved paths and more places to ride would reduce conflicts.
Councilors said the ordinance has been under long review in Land Use and that while the draft is a step forward, it is not final. Councilor Snyder (Land Use chair) said the committee plans another meeting to gather additional input; the next Land Use hearing was scheduled for Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. (location to be confirmed) so committee members can consider community and technical feedback before returning a revised draft to the council.
The ordinance in circulation (D27 96-25) remains under active revision; councilors emphasized they want more public engagement and technical input from police and public-safety staff before finalizing regulations.
Ending: Councilors asked residents and stakeholders to follow the Land Use committee notice and attend the Nov. 5 meeting to give specific feedback on speed limits, helmet requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
